Joan V. “Tate” Shawver, of Centre Hall, went home to be with her Lord on February 25, 2025. Born June 28, 1941, in Bellefonte, Joan was a daughter of the late Richard I. And Ethel H. “Gentzel” Tate. Joan married Robert E. Shawver on April 22, 1962. Robert passed away on December 21, 2020.
Joan is survived by one son, Kevin R. Shawver (Tammy) of Centre Hall; one sister, Connie Saluter of Venice, FL; grandchildren, Maura S. Shawver and Justin M. Shawver both of Spring Mills and great grandchildren, Carter and Parker Eminhizer, Paislee Shreckengast and Archer Schreckengast (due in April). In addition to her parents and husband, Joan was preceded in death by her siblings, Irene Garbrick, Inez Pecht, twin sister, Jean Gilmore and Eugene Tate.
Upon graduating from Penns Valley Area High School in 1959, Joan began her career at the Pattee Library at Penn State. She retired in 1971 to welcome her son and spent the next nine years as a homemaker and stay-at-home Mom. Her love of books and libraries continued throughout her life by volunteering at numerous local libraries and at libraries in Myrtle Beach, SC where she and Bob spent many winters. Joan served as the administrative assistant for the State College Christian & Missionary Alliance Church from 1999 to 2005. She also served as administrative officer with the Civil Air Patrol, Centre Hall squadron 1307 and bookkeeper for Centre Airpark for over fifty years.
Joan was an avid reader and enjoyed attending bible studies. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of the Emmanuel Union UCC Church in Tusseyville and will be laid to rest in Emmanuel Union Cemetery during a private service with Rev. Craig Munnell officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Joan may be given to Emmanuel Union UCC Church, 120 Tusseyville Rd., Centre Hall, PA 16828.